VALLEY CITY (NewsDakota.com)  After falling short in a comeback bid a year ago, Valley City State withheld a comeback from the University of Jamestown to open the 2023 football season.

Viking quarterback Avery Thorsgard finished 20-30 for 190 yards and two scores, while defensive lineman Riley Gerhardt recorded 14 tackles and 2.5 sacks in a 23-15 win Thursday night at Shelly Ellig Field and Lokken Stadium in Valley City.

The Vikings missed early on scoring opportunities, including a turnover in the red zone, but took advantage of a Jahidi West interception return deep into Jimmie territory, scoring a play later on a touchdown grab by tight end Ttent Finney, a score that would prove decisive.

After a Viking field goal pushed a lead to eight, Gerhardt helped stop the final Jimmie drive with a sack after UJ had advanced into Viking territory in the final three minutes.

Gerhardt was named Ivy Real Estate Group Player of the Game.

The Vikings travel to face South Dakota Mines next Friday.